Karin Riley Porter

Prior to joining Price Benowitz LLP, Ms. Porter served nine years as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Virginia, handling cases ranging from DUIs to serious violent felonies. She has litigated thousands of cases during her career and is known as an aggressive and shrewd defense attorney with a strong track record of success. That is due in part to Ms. Porter’s extensive experience as a prosecutor, which provides her with unique knowledge and training that set her apart from most other criminal defense attorneys. Due to her prior experience, Ms. Porter has an innate understanding of how law enforcement functions when it investigates crimes, and how prosecutors build and prepare their cases for trial. This perspective allows her to build a strong defense strategy for each and every one of her clients.

Awards and Education

Ms. Porter is AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell and has been named one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Association of Trial Lawyers. She is a member of the National College for DUI Defense. Ms. Porter is a member of the State Bar of Virginia and is federally barred in the Eastern District of Virginia. She is a graduate of Penn State and earned her law degree, with honors, from George Mason University School of Law. After finishing law school, Ms. Porter had the honor of working for a Fairfax County Circuit Court judge as a law clerk.

Philosophy and Dedication

Ms. Porter believes all those accused of crimes have a right to devoted legal representation. That is why she brings a comprehensive, detail-oriented focus to every case with which she is involved. Ms. Porter’s clients can depend on her to examine every possible legal strategy to use in a defense against criminal charges, and to provide valuable advice on the best course of action to take. She is able to do this by attending frequent seminars and training sessions so that she can stay ahead of the curve when it comes to law enforcement and prosecutorial trends. This is especially true in defending against DUI and drug charges and other criminal offenses that involve evidence of a biologic and scientific nature.

SERIOUS MISDEMEANOR OFFENSES

Earned acquittal at trial of indecent exposure charge in Fairfax County General District Court

Negotiated pre-trial dismissal of assault and battery in Arlington County

Won motion to dismiss DUI-D and Refusal charge in Arlington County

Successfully negotiated several pre-trial dismissal of assault and battery charges in Fairfax County

Won assault and battery trial in Fairfax County

FELONY OFFENSES

Successfully argued for probation on two recent Fairfax County possession of child pornography cases.

Negotiated pre-trial dismissal of felony child abuse and neglect charge in Fairfax County

Successfully argued for leniency in a serious felony probation violation contested hearing in Arlington County in which client faced over 17 years of jail time for new federal bank robbery conviction.

The Myth of the Best Criminal Lawyer

Every case is different, with a unique set of facts and a unique person facing the charges. The goals for the outcome of a case also vary widely from person to person, depending on the circumstances they are facing. The only way to look for “the best Virginia criminal lawyer” is to consult with different attorneys until you have found the advocate you believe is right for you, your case, and to represent you in court. Your lawyer will be your defender, your advocate, and they will tell your side of the story to the court. Find an attorney in whom you can place your trust.